Preziosi believes in Ballardini

Genoa chief Enrico Preziosi insists Davide Ballardini is the right man for the job after sacking Gian Piero Gasperini.

The former Juventus youth boss was axed on Monday after collecting just 11 points from 10 games following the 1-0 loss at Palermo.

"I feel sorry for Gasperini, but I felt the need for a change even if this separation hurts," noted the Marassi chief.

"Ballardini is the ideal replacement. I like him a lot, perhaps because he has already worked under difficult Presidents such as [Claudio] Lotito and [Maurizio] Zamparini...

"I don't have the need for a phenomenon right now, but just something simple."

Ballardini, axed by Lazio in February, has been appointed on a short-term basis with a possibility to remain for longer.

"His contract runs up until the end of the season, with the option for a renewal if certain results, which I won't tell you about, are achieved," added Preziosi.

"Last night I called [Lazio President] Lotito and told him that I was thinking about hiring Ballardini. Perhaps that was the best news of the day for him as it meant he is saving himself a bit of money."

Ballardini was still on the payroll with the capital club who yesterday lost the Eternal City derby 2-0 to Roma.